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Testing and Accountability

California is evolving to a new system of testing and accountability that will weigh eight priorities, including school climate and parent engagement, to judge school progress. An education law, passed in 2013, orders a new generation of computer-based standardized tests, starting with Common Core assessments of English language arts and math in 2015.

July 23, 2017

New class leads to big gains in number of girls, minorities taking AP computer science exams

A new AP Computer Science Principles class focuses on the “big ideas” behind computer science.

Carolyn Jones
July 20, 2017

California proposes minimal sanctions for low participation in state tests

A new icon in the school dashboard would signify less than 95 percent participation.

John Fensterwald
July 17, 2017

State board, advocacy groups fundamentally disagree over plan for complying with federal education law

Is the state's bare-bones response to the Every Student Succeeds Act a shrewd tactic or a missed opportunity?

John Fensterwald
July 17, 2017

Upcoming Events

Webinars will delve into formative assessment techniques and the release of a report on how well high schools prepare graduates for college.

Theresa Harrington
July 10, 2017

State board faces deadline, tough decisions on new federal law for improving schools

The proposal to use dashboard colors to identify the lowest-achieving schools is being sharply criticized.

John Fensterwald
July 4, 2017

Oakland expands computer game math program used by 1 million students in California and nationwide

Oakland joins districts in California and across the country that see improvements in math proficiency among students who work with ST Math

Theresa Harrington
June 27, 2017

What can U.S. schools learn from top education systems in other countries?

High quality teaching is key to student success in high-performing countries and school systems, study finds.

Theresa Harrington
June 22, 2017

State officials cool to school districts' request to become 'Innovation Zone'

Now's not the time to expand experimentation with school accountability measures, staff tells CORE Districts.

John Fensterwald
June 7, 2017

Q & A: Poor students and English learners did better on tests but achievement gaps yet to narrow

Standardized test results from 2015 and 2016 show disadvantaged students aren't progressing as quickly as wealthier, English-fluent peers.

Theresa Harrington
May 29, 2017

California students go online in record numbers to take Common Core-aligned tests, with few glitches

Familiarity with tests and increased Internet capabilities helped districts administer assessments, but state system experienced glitches when overloaded.

Theresa Harrington
May 16, 2017

Another school rating system, more data on racial, ethnic disparities

GreatSchools debuts a multiple-measure view of California's schools.

John Fensterwald
May 10, 2017

Teachers' concerns lead to changes in state's testing contract

The State Board of Education agreed to spend $1.5 million more on testing, including nearly $500,000 on new "Science Academies" intended to help teachers better understand the Next Generation Science Standards.

Theresa Harrington
April 28, 2017

Pilot science test underway in California, despite dispute with federal officials

Computer-based exam based on Next Generation Science Standards to be given through June.

Carolyn Jones
April 16, 2017

Teacher complaints lead to improvements in state tests

After educators say interim test reports designed to improve teaching were too vague to be useful, the consortium that created them promises to do better.

Theresa Harrington
April 12, 2017

High schools turning to student portfolios to assess academic progress

Across California, 34 high schools and 12 districts have formed a network to promote performance-based assessments, including portfolios. These are the end product of months of intense collaboration, research, critical thinking and multiple revisions that students typically present in their senior year.

Ashley Hopkinson